<p>An estimated 80,000 people are expected to line the streets of Limerick City from midday on March 17th for Ireland&rsquo;s largest regional St. Patrick&rsquo;s Day Parade.</p>

<p>The Parade, which is being coordinated by Limerick City and County Council in conjunction with Grooveyard Productions, will feature more than 4,000 participants from 100 different community groups, companies, bands and sports clubs from across Limerick and Ireland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Actor, director and playwright, Myles Breen is this year&#39;s Grand Marshall in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts in the Mid-West region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among the participants in this year&#39;s Parade will be Waterford-based Sprao&iacute;, an internationally renowned streets arts company who will be bringing their spectacular Stag Show to Limerick&#39;s main thoroughfares on March 17th. Artastic, in collaboration with Spotlight Stage School, were last year&#39;s overall winners and are coming together this year with another show-stopping spectacle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Workhouse Studio will also travel from Sligo with their giant puppet and a host of colourful costumes. Other featured performers include The Fanzini Brothers, Outside the Box, Clown Noir and Passepartout along with a wide range of local performance groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The theme of this year&#39;s Parade is &#39;Commemorate&#39;, which seeks to promote Limerick&#39;s legacy, its peoples and its places.&nbsp;Actor, director and playwright, Myles Breen is this year&#39;s Grand Marshall in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the arts in the Mid-West region.</p>

<p>Pop duo Jedward have also accepted an invitation from Limerick City and County Council to take part in this year&#39;s Parade. Edward and John have strong family ties to Limerick, including their Grand Uncle Vincent Feeney who was the Mayor of the city.</p>
